Henna Muzaffar, associate professor of nutrition and dietetics for the College of Health and Human Sciences, is the recipient of a 2024 Distinguished Alumni award from the University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences.
Henna Muzaffar
“This award came as a total surprise to me. I was nominated by one of my nutrition professors who taught several of my courses when I was in the program,” Muzaffar said. “Being acknowledged for my almost two decades of professional work after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, it makes me feel good about the hard work and persistence I have been able to exhibit in my professional life.”
Muzaffar completed her BS in Food and Nutrition and then an MS in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Cincinnati.
“Looking back, completing my master’s degree was a good decision, because it set me up for what I’m doing and where I am professionally today,” Muzaffar said. “I was given a lot of opportunities while I was there, and then this recognition came out of the blue. I was happy to accept it.”
Muzaffar is a member of this year’s cohort of the Emerging Faculty Leadership Program here at Northern Illinois University. Up to 10 faculty members are selected annually to participate in this program, which is an intensive professional development experience for faculty seeking to expand their capacity for leadership in higher education.
“Once I became tenured, one of my main goals was to have some level of leadership role,” Muzaffar said. “I joined this program to learn more about NIU and to acquire and hone my leadership skills. The leadership training program has been very beneficial.
Muzaffar also has participated in a leadership training program with the College of Health and Human Sciences this past academic year.
“I’m learning a different set of leadership skills from each of these programs, and am really enjoying them,” Muzaffar said. “These training experiences are preparing me to serve on leadership roles within the university.”
Muzaffar will get to further utilize her leadership skills as the interim chair for the School of Health Studies, a role that will take effect July 1.
“Hopefully, the skills I’ve acquired or honed this past year will serve me well in my new role. I am excited about my first leadership opportunity here in the university setting,” Muzaffar said.
In addition to serving as associate professor at NIU, Muzaffar is the Eating Disorders and Obesity Certificate Facilitator in the School of Health Studies. Her research focuses on obesity prevention with children and families in the schools and the community, and her health promotion programs are framed within behavioral change theories. Muzaffar also has worked with the Latino population in rural areas to address obesity and health disparities.
Muzaffar credits her father, a physician, for influencing her career path and is grateful for the support her husband has provided her at every juncture in her professional life.
“Growing up, I was inspired by all the stories my father shared with me about improving the lives and health of other people,” Muzaffar said. “I wanted to assist people in improving their health. I am able to educate children in schools and families in the community about healthy lifestyle behaviors, and by doing so, helping the children and families adopt healthy behaviors.”
Muzaffar teaches with a student-centered approach, and offers this helpful advice to her students:
“Follow your dreams and aspirations, and never be discouraged by any roadblocks or challenges in your career path. By persevering and working hard, you will be able to overcome those challenges and meet your professional goals.”
Source: NIU Today CHHS News
